PREVIEW: Will Rohr’s new formation break Nigeria-Guinea 8-year stalemate?
Nigeria aims to book its place in the next round of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the country faces Guinea on Wednesday night at the Alexandria stadium.
Hopes back home in Nigeria of a successful Cup of Nations have been ignited after the 1-0 win over Burundi on Saturday night, but the players in the Super Eagles camp have been urged focus; the win over Burundi means nothing if Eagles do not beat Guinea.
Coach Gernot Rohr has been tinkering with his formation in training as the Eagles were seen playing 4-3-3 with Chidozie Awaziem coming into the side for Shehu Abdullahi, who suffered a slight injury against Burundi.
However, Rohr was surprisingly tight-lipped in his press conference regarding his formation and this has led to believe that he will not change from the 4-2-1-3 that was successful against Burundi. Maybe Rohr is playing smoke and mirrors with the opposition.
Likely Nigeria line up: 4-2-1-3: Akpeyi, Awaziem, Aina, Omeruo, Ekong, Ndidi, Etebo, Mikel, Iwobi, Ighalo, Chukwueze
Guinea showed guts and determination against Madagascar in their opening fixture but ended up with a 2-2 draw.
Likely Guinea line up: Aly Keita, Mikael Dyrestam, Julian Jeanvier, Simon Falette, Issiaga Sylla, Ibrahima Cissé, Amadou Diawara, Naby Keita, Ibrahima Traoré, Soly Kaba, Francois Kamano
Past Meetings:
Guineans are somewhat of a bogey team for the Super Eagles. Of the total 17 international encounters between both countries, the two sides have won five apiece and played seven draws.
The last meeting was in 2011 when the two nations played out a 2-2 draw to deny Nigeria qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, the last to be held on an even-numbered year.
Verdict:
Nigeria will be under a lot of pressure to see of the Guineans comfortably, with Odion Ighalo and Ola Aina in such sparkling form, they should do so. However the side needs to guard against over-confidence, as any slip up could be punished by the likes of Naby Keita or Francois Kamano.
There are huge expectations on this Nigerian side now. Would Rohr’s formation tinkering mean well for the Eagles in Egypt?
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